Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Web Secret #38: 7 Ways to Get People to Read Your Blog

Nick believes that all regular readers of a specific blog fall into one of seven categories. I have adapted his thoughts to serve you, my readers.

1) They want to be youI left my social work gig to become a full time geek. So I read the Fried Social Worker blog because sometimes I want to remember those days.

2) They want to be with youOne of the most powerful blogs on the planet is The Huffington Post. Ariana Huffinton goes to amazing insider events and hangs with all kinds of bright, interesting people. So I read her blog and pretend she's my BFF.

3) They want your brainRead my blog, and know what I know.

4) They want your goodiesAre you always giving away great kernels of wisdom and links to valuable resources? They will come.

5) They want your witDay in day out, the funniest blog on the internet is The Sneeze. Guaranteed I will feel better if I eat chocolate. Guaranteed I will laugh my head of when I read any gem in the "Steve Don't Eat It" column. My favorite is "Pickled Pork Rinds".

6) They want to stay aheadDo you regularly read your competitors’ blogs? You should - it's the best way to stay ahead. Chances are, a lot of your readers are your competitors. It’s how they keep abreast of what you’re doing and try to stay in front.

7) They want to check up on youOK that may be a little paranoid.

So Nick believes that all you need to do if you want more readers, is to use the seven categories for your own blog marketing purposes:

1) Become a superstarIf you become well-known expert in a specific field, people will want to be you and read you.

2) Become a heart-throbI'll quote Nick here: "If you write openly in a way that tugs on people’s heart strings, chances are they’ll want to hear from you again. It’s rare to find bloggers who spill their soul in a mature way that you can learn and grow from."

3) Become an expertIf you become an expert superstar, readers will flock to you.

4) Become generousThink differently: what could you offer your readers for free that would be invaluable to them? Free website advice? Free marketing help? A free podcast?

5) Become funnyIf you can be funny, people will read you.

6) Become a market-leaderIf you can create something that’s truly remarkable, there’s a good chance you will get more readers